Monday, June 25, 2012

Bizarre name, isn't it? But yup, that was where I stayed in
the island. I learned about this place online. Several travel
bloggers have already been here and they gave good words for it. I was looking
for a budget place to stay and this I find perfect. I travel solo and got no
one to split the cost with, so I was trying to cut down my budget as much as
possible.

At first, I didn’t mention the name of the place where I’m
staying to the drivers. If I immediately give them the impression that I’m a
tourist, they might quote me a very high price for the ride. I just told them
the town and the barangay where I’m going. After finding the right driver for
the right price, I found myself riding in a single motorbike again without a
helmet! Note: I only do this when I’m traveling.

my home in Siquijor :)

After 30 minutes, we found the yellow house along the beachside of the road. I was actually the first one who spotted it and told manong to stop already hehe (in Bisaya). I was warmly greeted by Ate Lorna (the owner) and showed me my room. The room is big enough. Very bare and basic. Just what I needed.

my humble room

The room has an en suite bathroom. I enjoyed the hot shower by the way. When I say bare, I meant no walls nor door just shower curtain separating it from the bedroom. Good thing, I was alone haha! ;)

who needs privacy? ;)

As requested, I got a
room in the second floor with ocean view. Sweet!

my veranda

After putting my stuff in the room, Ate Lorna and I had some chit-chat. The first question she asked me was, "Weren't you scared going here all alone?" which of course I answered no. And the question you have to answer a hundred times when you go solo traveling, “Why were you alone?” She was actually expecting I’m with someone. We had a lengthy conversation. It feels like you’re just talking to a friend. She told me how they came out with their guest house's name. She has so many stories. The latest she said was that weird thing happening to her and her husband leading them to buy amulets with magical wood bark for protection. Somehow, we both thought that magic spells and sorcery is still being casted by some locals there. She also thought I was a Cebuana. So I was probably really doing a good job of exuding an aura that I’m not from Manila and of speaking their dialect haha. If Ate Lorna wasn’t called by her husband, I think our conversation can go on forever!

Despite her stories of possible black magic, I still didn’t
feel that I should be scared. I always believed there’s always something good
in humanity. If you treat them with kindness, you’ll get back kindness. After
some rest, I decided to go for a walk in the neighborhood. Their community is
very simple and serene. I smiled to every locals I saw on the road. They gave
me their sweetest smile back. Contrary to what other people say or think, that
moment I sincerely felt that I am safe and that there is nothing to be afraid
of in this mysterious island.

cheap accommodation with great view!

After my walk, I decided to go for a swim. I did not swim
for long though because the water is too shallow and seaweeds are plenty as
well. I don’t want to go too far for the deeper part because I am alone and
nobody might see me in case anything happens. So, I just lazed around the beach
and waited for the sunset.

the almost melancholic sunset

I loved the Siquijor sunset. Even though I couldn’t see the sun in this part of the island, it gave the sky a unique glow that I’ve never seen anywhere else. It was magical.